Player

Matt Besler up for CONCACAF's Male XI Best Defender

Matt Besler - United States Men's National Team vs. St. Vincent - Nov. 13, 2015

Sporting Kansas City captain Matt Besler is one of 10 players nominated for CONCACAF's Male Best XI Defender.


The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced today the shortlists and the opening of fan and media voting for the third annual CONCACAF Awards, honoring 2015's best performers from across Confederation events. Fan voting is open at concacaf.com through 4 p.m. CT on Monday, Jan. 18.



Besler is one of three MLS players â€” alongside Real Salt Lake's Demar Phillips and Seattle Sounders FC's Roman Torres â€” nominated for Best XI Defender recognition. The center back played 38 matches for Sporting KC in all competitions, tallying a career-high four assists and leading his club to the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title. Besler also earned six caps last year for the U.S. Men's National Team, including a pair of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November.


Established in 2013, The CONCACAF Awards honor players and achievements in CONCACAF-sanctioned competitions involving the Confederation’s national teams at all levels, including FIFA World Cups and World Cup qualifying for men and women in all age categories. Other performances eligible for recognition include those achieved in professional club leagues under CONCACAF’s stewardship in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, as well as the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.